☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies with a warm afternoon ahead — High 85°F, Low 54°F, with a 19% chance of rain. A good day to get outside, but keep an eye on the clouds.
😄 Joke of the Day
ETSU students spend four years learning to navigate the one-way streets downtown. Then they graduate, leave Johnson City, and immediately forget how to drive anywhere else.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Johnson City’s Hands On! Children’s Museum is a beloved family destination — but did you know it also hosts educational summer camps? The museum recently announced a summer camp focused on a prehistoric science field. What is the name of Johnson City’s hands-on children’s museum, and what prehistoric science is the featured summer camp theme?
Answer: The museum is Hands On! Discovery Center, and the featured summer camp theme is Paleontology — the study of prehistoric life and fossils.
🔝 Top Stories
Big South Basketball Championships Heading Back to Johnson City in 2027
The Big South Conference and Visit Johnson City have officially exercised a third-year option, bringing the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships back to Freedom Hall Civic Center for 2027. The 2027 tournament is scheduled for Wednesday–Sunday, March 3–7. It will be just the third time in the conference’s history that the same facility has hosted the league’s marquee basketball championships three consecutive years — and the first non-campus “neutral” site to earn that distinction.
Visit Johnson City reported that the 2026 Big South tournament saw increased tourism sales and total visitor spending from 2025, with city leaders noting the tournament brings in millions of dollars in tax revenue thanks to hotel bookings and restaurant sales.
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Johnson City Senior Center Receives Historical Marker
The Johnson City Senior Center was recently honored with a historical marker commemorating a significant milestone in its history. The marker recognizes the center’s accreditation, a notable achievement that reflects its long-standing commitment to serving the city’s older adult community. Community members gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the marker.
Milk Tanker Overturns on I-26, Causing Major Delays
A milk tanker overturned on I-26 in Johnson City on Thursday, April 17, causing significant traffic backups for morning and afternoon commuters. Emergency crews responded to the scene to manage the situation and clear the roadway. Drivers in the area were urged to seek alternate routes while cleanup was underway.
Washington County Projects Increase in Property and Sales Tax Revenue for FY27
Washington County leaders are projecting a healthy financial outlook heading into fiscal year 2027, with estimates showing increases in both property and sales tax revenues. The projections reflect continued growth in the county and are expected to factor into upcoming budget discussions. Residents can look for more details as the county’s budget process moves forward.
Read more at Johnson City Press
ETSU Community Reacts to New ‘Charlie Kirk Act’
Members of the ETSU campus community are reacting to newly passed state legislation informally dubbed the “Charlie Kirk Act,” which is generating significant discussion around free speech, academic freedom, and campus culture. The bill has drawn attention from faculty, students, and administrators at East Tennessee State University. Details on the law’s specific provisions and its potential impact on ETSU continue to emerge.
Spring Street to Partially Close for Fire Hydrant Installation
A portion of Spring Street in Johnson City is set to close starting Tuesday, April 21, to allow crews to install a new fire hydrant. Motorists and pedestrians in the area should plan for detours during the work. The city has not announced an estimated completion date — visit the source link for the latest information.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
Thirsty Orange Beer Festival 2026 — Today, April 18
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Founders Park, Johnson City, TN
The 13th annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza features over 150+ unique beers, giving attendees a chance to sample brews they’ve never tried before. Northeast Tennessee’s #1 beer festival returns to the heart of downtown for an afternoon of craft beer and community fun.
More info at ThirstyOrange.com
Johnson City Jazz Festival — Closing Night at The Jackson Theatre
Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Jackson Theatre, Jonesborough, TN
The festival concludes on Sunday at the Jackson Theater in Jonesborough. The final program features two cornerstone ensembles of the regional jazz scene: the ETSU Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Martin Walters, and the Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra, led by Eddie Dalton.
More info at JohnsonCityJazzFestival.com
Forever Fest: West Walnut Block Party
Friday, April 24, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
West Walnut Street, Downtown Johnson City, TN
Forever Fest brings a lively block party atmosphere to West Walnut Street in downtown Johnson City. Expect an evening of community celebration, local vendors, and live entertainment in the heart of the city. Visit the link below for full details.
More info at VisitJohnsonCityTN.com
Art·Struck Festival
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Downtown Johnson City, TN
The Johnson City Public Art Committee hosts the annual Art·Struck Festival, a celebration of the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene featuring live music, interactive art exhibits, food trucks, and family-friendly activities across multiple venues in downtown Johnson City.
More info at VisitJohnsonCityTN.com
RESOUND — ETSU Gospel Choir Concert
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 6:45 PM
Martha Street Culp Auditorium, Johnson City, TN
The ETSU Gospel Choir presents RESOUND, a live music celebration at Martha Street Culp Auditorium. This is a great opportunity to experience the talent of ETSU’s gospel performers in an intimate setting. Visit the source for ticketing and additional details.
Black Jacket Symphony: Slippery When Wet
Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 7:30 PM
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Johnson City, TN
The Black Jacket Symphony brings its acclaimed full-album live performance experience to the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. This installment performs Bon Jovi’s iconic album “Slippery When Wet” in its entirety, with full orchestration and production. Visit the source for ticketing information.
Rail Jam! — May 2, 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Johnson City Railroad Experience — W King St, Johnson City, TN 37604
A free outdoor concert and museum event featuring live music from Jenny and the Weazels, Bratfolk, Ryan Brenard, and John Bill & the Academics. Food truck on site. Concerts and museum admission are completely free. Made possible by the Tennessee Arts Commission.
SHUCKED — Broadway Touring Musical
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Johnson City, TN
The Broadway touring production of SHUCKED, the comedy musical set in a small American corn-farming town, comes to the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. Visit the source for ticketing and additional details.
Mill Spring Makers Faire
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Johnson City area
The Mill Spring Makers Faire brings together local artisans, makers, and creators for a day of hands-on creativity and community connection. Visit the link below for location details and more information.
More info at VisitJohnsonCityTN.com